Nature’s Best Kept Secret: Plant Medicines and Hemp Oil for Anxiety
Anxiety is a common mental health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It can be a debilitating condition that interferes with daily life, causing feelings of unease, worry, and fear. While many pharmaceutical drugs are available to help manage anxiety, these medications can have unpleasant side effects and may not be suitable for everyone. Nature’s Best Kept Secret: Plant Medicines and Hemp Oil for Anxiety.
Fortunately, nature has gifted you with a wealth of resources to promote physical and mental wellness. From the air you breathe to the food you eat, nature provides everything you need to thrive. It’s especially true when it comes to healing yourself from within. Plant medicines and herbs have been used for thousands of years to alleviate your racing heart and mind, and hemp oil for anxiety is one of the most powerful.
Hemp oil, also known as hemp extract, derives from the hemp variety of Cannabis Sativa plants and has been shown to have calming effects on the mind and body. As a result, it’s an increasingly popular choice for those looking for natural anxiety relief.
The benefits of plant remedies and hemp oil for anxiety are only now being fully understood and embraced by modern society. Still, by incorporating them into your daily life, you can create a holistic approach to wellness that’s both effective and sustainable.
Continue reading to learn more about plant medicines and hemp oil for anxiety and why they might be nature’s best-kept secret for promoting mental wellness.
Hemp oil for anxiety
Hemp extract or hemp oil for anxiety is a non-intoxicating, biological oil with various health benefits, including anxiety relief.
Hemp oil is rich in hundreds of unique, healing substances, including more than 120 different cannabinoids. They include cannabidiol (CBD) and its parent compound, cannabidiolic acid (CBDa), which are non-intoxicating, potent compounds that support health.
When these cannabinoids are ingested, they interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), a complex cell signaling system that regulates a range of physiological processes, including mood, appetite, and sleep. By interacting with the ECS, cannabinoids help regulate mood and reduce anxiety symptoms.
And studies show that hemp oil for anxiety works! An ever-growing wealth of scientific research supports the effectiveness of CBD oil for anxiety, including:
- A 2015 review noted that CBD eased the severity of anxiety conditions, including generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder.
- A 2019 study found that CBD reduced PTSD symptoms in 90% of study participants.
- A 2019 study found that anxiety improved in 80% of those using CBD.
Evidently, hemp oil for anxiety is a valuable tool for anyone looking to take a natural approach to ease mental health symptoms.
Chamomile for anxiety
Chamomile is another popular herb used for centuries to promote relaxation, ease anxiety, and calm frayed nerves.
Studies have shown that chamomile extract can help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. An earlier 2005 animal study also found that chamomile extract helped with sleeping patterns, which are often disturbed in anxiety.
Researchers believe the herb may function like benzodiazepines, a sedative medication that slows down the brain’s functions, easing anxiety and insomnia.
Lavender for anxiety
Lavender is a beautiful herb known for its calming properties. This fragrant plant has delicate purple flowers and a sweet, floral aroma that can transport you to a peaceful state of mind. For many, the mere sight of lavender can evoke feelings of tranquility and relaxation.
A 2017 literature review found that taking lavender oil supplements can ease anxiety, reduce depression, and support healthy, peaceful sleep. Lavender’s calming effects are thought to be due to its ability to interact with the brain’s limbic system, which regulates emotions and stress responses.
Beyond its mental health benefits, lavender is also a versatile herb with many other uses. It’s commonly used in aromatherapy, massage oils, and skin care products due to its soothing properties. So whether you’re incorporating lavender into your self-care routine or simply enjoying its beauty, this herb is a valuable tool for promoting mental and physical wellness.
Passionflower for anxiety
Passionflower is an exotic vine with attractive purple and white flowers. It’s been used traditionally as a calming herb for anxiety, insomnia, pain, and seizures. Scientists believe it works by increasing levels of a chemical called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. This neurotransmitter, or chemical messenger, regulates mood by lowering the activity of some brain cells, leading to relaxation.
There’s good evidence to suggest that passionflower helps relieve anxiety symptoms. In one clinical trial, researchers found it had similar effects to anti-anxiety medication in mice. A review also found it had significant sedative and calming effects.
Valerian root for anxiety
Valerian root is a natural remedy that’s gained popularity recently for its ability to ease anxiety and promote relaxation. The herb is derived from the root of the Valeriana officinalis plant, which is native to Europe and Asia.
Valerian root extract has been shown to have anxiety-reducing effects by increasing levels of calming GABA. It may also improve sleep quality, making it a valuable tool for those struggling with anxiety-related sleep issues. Valerian root also contains compounds called valerenic acid and valeranone, which have been shown to have anxiety-reducing effects.
The root has a distinct, musky smell that some people find unpleasant, so many prefer to use a supplement in capsule form rather than tea made from valerian.
The take home
Anxiety affects everyone differently, but it’s a universal experience that can leave you feeling overwhelmed and exhausted. Traditional approaches to anxiety management often involve pharmaceutical drugs, but these medications can come with a range of side effects and may not be the best solution for everyone. That’s where natural remedies like plant medicines and hemp oil for anxiety come in.
By taking a personalized and holistic approach to mental health and choosing natural remedies like hemp oil for anxiety, you can find relief and invest in your emotional wellness.
